30 November 2017

Hello... is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me. Is there anyone at home?

Well, well, well... here I am kicking the dust off this 'ol blog. And that has me giddy. I'm finishing the audiobook, Ready Player One, and the 80/90s references have me sentimental for "old technologies."

So, Hello, Blogger.

[sidebar: This book might make for a shitty movie, but the audiobook w/Wil Wheaton as narrator is divine. He carries the story masterfully and his Max Headroom-isms were some of my favorites. Love Wil as the nemesis on Big Bang Theory, but in this book he reigns supreme as my hero Wade. ]

Back to blogging...

I am curious as hell how Blogger has kept up, if at all, w/the times. My last true long, meaningful posts were 3+ years ago. Tumblr, and the sea of other free and paid platforms, have made blogging easier for those in the 'Blogger vs WordPress' quagmire. And microblogging via FB, IG and Snapchat captions has made expressing unique ideas/thoughts/point of views more enticing and engaging — despite never needing to know a stitch of code. #sigh #nerdalert #girlscancode #womenindigital

Getting back to why I started blogging: FREE. MUSIC. DOWNLOADS.

I had access and rights to post/share free .mp3 and .mp4s. Why? Because I emailed the artists and asked them -- that simple. Once in a lifetime opportunities which gave me some unexpected credibility. Given today's streaming platforms, "free" has been rendered obsolete.

I'm eager to explore this next horizon of music exchanging/sharing Meanwhile I'm accepting my self-imposed challenge to see how far I can push Blogger--flash music player integration be damned.

Essentially it boils down to, I love to write: about design, music, and my life. Blogging is a neglected creative outlet. I want to change that.

30 June 2015

Whole lotta confluence going on here:
_ Found this dandy earlier during a poster art search_ I just returned from Southern California, where I got my fix of surf + surf music_ Morrissey is playing in Cincinnati tonight

Kismet? Perhaps. Regardless, don't panic. Just enjoy The Moz and his gyrating ways.

Panic on the streets of LondonPanic on the streets of BirminghamI wonder to myselfCould life ever be sane again?The Leeds side-streets that you slip downI wonder to myselfHopes may rise on the GrasmereBut Honey Pie, you're not safe hereSo you run downTo the safety of the townBut there's Panic on the streets of CarlisleDublin, Dundee, HumbersideI wonder to myself

Burn down the discoHang the blessed DJBecause the music that they constantly playIT SAYS NOTHING TO ME ABOUT MY LIFEHang the blessed DJBecause the music they constantly play

On the Leeds side-streets that you slip downProvincial towns you jog 'roundHang the DJ, Hang the DJ, Hang the DJHang the DJ, Hang the DJ, Hang the DJHANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJHANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJHANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJHang the DJ, Hang the DJ, Hang the DJHANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJHANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJHang the DJ, Hang the DJ, Hang the DJHANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJHANG THE DJ, HANG THE DJHang the DJ, Hang the DJ, Hang the DJHANG THE DJ

In our endeavor we are never seeing eye to eyeNo guts to serve us so forever may we wave goodbyeAnd you're always telling me that it's my turn to moveWhen I wonder what could make the needle jump the groove

I won't fall for the oldest trick in the bookSo don't sit there and think you're off of the hookBy saying there is no use changing 'cause

That's just what you areThat's just what you are

Acting steady always ready to defend your fearsWhat's the matter with the truth, did I offend your earsBy suggesting that a change might be a thing to tryLike it would kill you just to try and be a nicer guy

It's not like you would lose some critical pieceIf somehow you moved point A to point BMaintaining there is no point changing 'cause

That's just what you areThat's just what you are

Now I could talk to you till I'm blue in the faceBut we still would arrive at the very same placeWith you running around and me out of the race

So maybe you're right, nobody can takeSomething older than time and hope you could makeIt better, that would be a mistake

So take it just so far

'Cause that's just what you areThat's just what you areThat's just what you are

Acting steady always ready to defend your fearsWhat's the matter with the truth, did I offend your earsYou're like a sleepwalking man, it's a danger to wake youEven when it is apparent where your actions will take you

That's just what you areAnd that's just what you areThat's just what you areThat's just what you are

24 October 2014

Goodbye, Summer. Hello, Indian Summer. You sure look amazing today in the 'ol O-HI-O. Taking a quick break from work to share one of my favorite fall tunes. It's chill tune chock full of percussion goodness. Perfect pairing for a weekend drive to take in all the beauty of fall. Enjoy!

when I heard the knock on the doorI couldn't catch my breathis it too late to call this off?

we could slip awaywouldn't that be better?me with nothing to sayand you in your autumn sweater

I tried my best to hide in the crowded roomit's nearly possibleI wait for you, oh, most patiently

we could slip awaywouldn't that be better?me with nothing to sayand you in your autumn sweater

so I looked for your eyes and the waves looked like they'd pour right out of themI'll try hard, I'll try alwaysbut it's a waste of timeit's a waste of time if I can't smile easilylike in the beginningin the beginning

we could slip awaywouldn't that be better?me with nothing to sayand you in your autumn sweater

we could slip awaywouldn't that be better?me with nothing to sayand you in your autumn sweateryou in your autumn sweateryou in your autumn sweateryou in your autumn sweater

05 September 2014

A week full of type explorations is always time well spent. A week exploring type AND listening to music? Well, it's been a banner week for this girl. I've chose this sultry lil number by Handsome Boy Modeling School to offset this playful type specimen from the inspiration consortium: ChangeTheThought. Enjoy and remember, when in doubt, the truth shall set you free. ;) Happy weekend! xo Joy

Go ...Go to the mountain if you mustGo to the burning bushHappy would ease your troubled mindHow do the fade just stay behind?

I know you better than you think I doDon't worry babe.. this is why i fell in love with youThe man in the looking glassIs looking back at you at last

You can't hide from the truthBecause the truth is all there isYou can't hide from the truthBecause the truth is all there isYou can't hide from the truthBecause the truth is all there isYou can't hide

If happy times are too few and far betweenIt's a pity dear, we can't erase the things we've seenSo disappear, vanish if you wishJust go before you're swallowed up by bitterness

And the truth is you can't hide from the truthAnd the truth hurts because the truth is all there isI realized some time ago that I would have to let you go

May not be true to see that you would return one dayBut in your present state you may as well not be here at allYou wear a thin disguise, it's from yourself you hideJust take a look at us, we are heading for a fall

[J-Live]Now presiding in this quarter: hip-hopJustice, my rap fortéJudge, jury, bailing for prosecuting D.A.Et ceteras, paraphasMy modus operendeIt's carpe diem whether the fact or word is your wayComprende?The people versus, you ain't no SensiTeaching that style of word-playWe got the words theyRegardless of what your friends sayThey're all disableStriken from the record and deemed indimissableAnd this long arm of the law grabs a mighterShoot dope lines first and ask questions laterThe death sentence of this live litagatorClose the case tighter than the jaws of a 'gatorStenonographer, that study law again, the jargonLet your counselors 'a barking, in hopes of a plea bargainBut when you read back verbatimWhat they're saying to pursuade themThey realize exactly how i've played themI come with the truth, whole truth and nothing but'Cause the truth hurts just as much as fuckin' with lies willI brew skill with free fills from now untilPlagerizing MC's get their flows distilled

Baby I don't die without you by my sideAs long as you return into these arms that burnBaby I won't die just take a look insideInto these eyes that burn, come to these arms that yearn

I won't die, if you leave me highI won't die if you're not by my side

And the truth hurts because the truth is all there isAnd the truth hurts because the truth is all there isYou can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there isYou can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there isYou can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there isYou can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there isYou can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there isYou can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there isYou can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there isYou can't hide from the truthBecause the truth is all there isYou can't hide from the truth..

06 August 2014

So much great music to share that these Daily Joy posts will be stopgaps between blog posts. Enjoy!

Need some good and kind music loving souls to host a living room show in NYC 8/29 & Washington DC 8/30 ASAP!
— clem snide (@eefbarzelay) July 26, 2014

Listening to some bittersweet old school Clem Snide
today while designing, so hit the twitter to see what they had going on.
As a huge supporter of home concerts, I wantto share this cool
opportunity of hosting a living room show. If your city is listed, reach out to them. You won't regret this unique experience!

And Eef, should your travels bring you to Columbus, OH, I'd gladly host. Our city is the jam, Man. Buzzfeed even says so. (see reasons #6, #9, #15, and #18)

'Cause you're so evil and I'm so goodI'll You'll make it up to you me some day.

______________________________

BONUS ROUND » those close to me know one of my guilty pleasures is the Brothers Gibb (aka the Bee Gees.) Check out Eef's rendition of "How can you mend a broken heart?"(great question, btw) His vocal twist takes this song to another level. #swoon

25 July 2014

Holy wow: this is a post I never anticipated having the opportunity to create. Bernese Mountain Dogs' lifespan typically caps at 10 years. This gentle giant of mine is a whopping FOURTEEN today. He is everything one could ask for in a dog: loyal, loving, and a non-slobberer. :) He has gotten me through some very dark days. Still does. And every morning I delight that he is still among us, to grace us with his kind soul. I am hopeful for many more days with him. We'll see... Happy weekend, All. xo ~Joy

When there's nowhere else to runIs there room for one more sonOne more sonIf you can hold onIf you can hold on, hold onI wanna stand up, I wanna let goYou know, you know - no you don't, you don'tI wanna shine on in the hearts of menI wanna mean it from the back of my broken hand

Another head aches, another heart breaksI am so much older than I can takeAnd my affection, well it comes and goesI need direction to perfection, no no no no

Help me outYeah, you know you got to help me outYeah, oh don't you put me on the back burnerYou know you got to help me out

And when there's nowhere else to runIs there room for one more sonThese changes ain't changing meThe gold-hearted boy I used to be

Yeah, you know you got to help me outYeah, oh don't you put me on the back burnerYou know you got to help me outYou're gonna bring yourself downYeah, you're gonna bring yourself downYeah, you're gonna bring yourself down

[x10]I got soul, but I'm not a soldierI got soul, but I'm not a soldier

Yeah, you know you got to help me outYeah, oh don't you put me on the back burnerYou know you got to help me outYou're gonna bring yourself downYou're gonna bring yourself downYeah, oh don't you put me on the back burnerYou're gonna bring yourself downYeah, you're gonna bring yourself downOver and in, last call for sinWhile everyone's lost, the battle is wonWith all these things that I've doneAll these things that I've doneIf you can hold onIf you can hold on

How young are you?How old am I?Let's count the rings around my eyesHow smart are you?How dumb am I?Don't count any of my adviceOh, meet me anyplace or anywhere or anytimeNow I don't care, meet me tonightIf you will dare, I might dareCall me on Thursday, if you willOr call me on Wednesday, better stillAin't lost yet, so I gotta be a winnerFingernails and a cigarette's a lousy dinnerYoung, are you?Meet me anyplace or anywhere or anytimeNow, I don't care, meet me tonightIf you will dare, I will dare

09 July 2014

I posted this to my Pinterest account a long time ago. It’s still funny as hell. And rings more true today than ever. It's fitting I'm composing this post on the anniversary of the passing of my friend, Ned Williamson. He was taken from us far too soon. Grief is a tough thing. One day you’re okay, feeling stable, the next moment any small nuance can kick you to the curb, leaving you a total wreck. I think it's because the profound impact people can have on your life — and then the fact they never fully got to learn of that impact — is what's so hard for us to accept in the end.

Ned's absence is a meaningful reminder for me to embrace life, love boldly, and take risks. Some days I am better at it than others. But I am trying. And I have my eye on the prize. So this post is dedicated to those conversations we have
with ourselves during our challenges. And as you'll quickly see, the artists below have
captured these sentiments like poetry in motion.

Enjoy this post. And the tunes (17 of them!) The music player is at the bottom. Or you can click on the individual tunes, which open/play/download in a separate window.

I am a morning person. Have been since childhood. La la love that time. Great thinking time - I design in my haze from when my alarm goes off to when I actually rouse from my bed. I resolve nuances I couldn't quite figure out when my brain was conscious. And, who doesn't love a great morning workout? I'm on my way to achieving breakfast club member status at Melt Hot Fitness. :) Owner Kelly Sodergren's mix of a heated studio, dim lighting, and a music library that rivals my own makes the wee hour wake up call beyond worth it. I always leave the studio feeling stronger. If not in my limbs, at least in my mind.

> Can’t Wake Up
by The Apache Relay
For those who prefer the snooze button over the benefits of a vigorous morning activity, this one's for you. It's all about matters of the heart.

> Coffee
by Sylvan Esso
This tune plays during our Barre class warm-up at Melt. Until recently, I didn't know who the artist was as I'm pretty sure whipping out my phone to Shazam a song in class is a no-no. My bud seanHARTMAN, recently suggested I give Sylan Esso a spin. And then it all clicked. Thanks, Universe.

This tune is hauntingly fantastic. It might be my 2014 version of the highly addictive Two Dots by Lusine(another one perfect for your edit sessions, Bil Zelman.)

by Hacienda
I've had this tune in my "potential posts" list for a long time. So happy to have found it a fitting home. Dan Aurbach produced the track. I feel his thumbprint all over it. And I like it. The documentary-style video is pretty sweet too. My heart IS racing.

by Young the Giant
I'm a sucker for songs about driving, mostly because I love driving. And listening to music while driving. So yeah, this song was pretty much a slam dunk:"Get out the car it's time for me to drive. Oh, you can't hide for long. I want to spend the night. Just tell me you were all alone. It's so wonderful. Hey, I feel wonderful"

Josie Schweitzer definitely has a cult following. If not in her yoga studio, Thank Yoga, then most definitely via her Instagram feed. Checking her posts have been part of my morning routine for awhile now. Motivation on so many levels. Give her a follow too!

This band's name juxtaposed with their sound was a delightful and unexpected treat for me. And then I saw their photo and it all made sense. Bummed they broke up. I like the tempo of this tune... good for decision making. And again, me w/the lyrics. I know, I know..."So many people telling me one way. So many people telling me to stay. Never had time to have my mind made up."

by Lucius
Ok, back on track: Training? Check. Soul-wrecking images/lyrics? Yup yup. The steel drum used in this version makes my ears happy as it's not the version I had originally heard.

> Put Me to Work
by PAPA
Oh man, I hope to catch PAPA at Lollapalooza specifically for this tune. The energy captured digitally has got to be 1000-fold when on a stage. That's a whole lotta piano going on (pronounced: pie-ann-oh)

When I'm not working on blog playlists, this band is in heavy rotation for me. I cannot get enough of their old-school hippie vibe. This song is about being stuck in between... and it's on point. You really should get out of nowhere and just Be. Here. Now.

> Gimme the Nightclub (dj BC edit)
by Dan Meth
This is a ridiculous mash up of Jay-Z and George Benson. Ridiculously good, that is. In celebration of my upcoming birthday and being 5"4', this Shorty is embracing the disco ball.

I saw MMJ open for Pearl Jam a zillion years ago in Cleveland. They left an indelible impression on me. I'm smitten these two tracks help round out this post.

> The Day is Comingby My Morning JacketGoal setting, at it's best. > Speed of Sound (Live_Philly)by Pearl Jam
Rushing adds unnecessary stress. Slow down. Let great music be your driver. And in this live version, believe: in Eddie we all trust. #testify"And yet I'm still holdin' tight to this dream of distant light. In that somehow I'll survive. But this night has been a long one. Waiting on a sun that just don't come."

Goodness,
I didn't realize this post would be so long. The work showcased above
drove the momentum of the post. Matching the tunes is always a labor of
love so this was incredibly enjoyable. The final tune wraps this all up
nicely:

16 June 2014

Hey. Hi. Remember me? Or this blog? I barely do. My last post was 3 years ago. That's like even before Emoji's were common place.

Wait. What? I know. I know. Sigh...

When Spotify, Rdio, Pandora, iTunes Ping, and Twitter Music came along, it seemed that blogging wasn’t as relevant since you could get your streaming music so readily (ps: nerd joke about Ping and Twitter Music. #posers) I was even using Facebook and Twitter for one-off music posts. But verve for a tune is hard to emit via a mere 140 characters.

During these past few years however, I’ve continued to amass a crazy amount of music and unconsciously paired the tunes with themes from my glorious interweb finds. I’ve been blogging all along, just only in my mind evidently. Who knew?

Recently, a nervous energy has washed over me and it's pushing and poking me to have my voice heard again. As a result, I have a lot to say, get out, unload. Which is why I blogged in the first place: I love writing, and don’t do it enough. This blog used to be an incredible creative outlet for me. The fact you might stop by to read my rants/raves/meanderings and even enjoy the music I posted, well that was back seat to what drove me to continually contribute to this blog.

This specific post might be a bit messy, so feel free to revisit later in the week as I get my sea legs back and see fit to further refine. You can access the tunes playlist style via the Streampad player at the bottom of the browser or download directly by the links w/in the blog post.

Ready? Please carve out about two hours, crank your headphones, maybe even pour a drink (at work–bourbon? / at home–caffeine?) and possibly you'll find you can relate to my catharsis. xo Joy

THE BEGINNING » Serving up some Barry to set the tone of this post as it's a cautionary tale of entanglement regarding typography and love. Because if you don't have passion for all things, what do you have?> Love's Theme by Barry White

Love Lightboxing & Layer Tennis matches? Add this type competition to your mix. Type Fight: an arena for people who like having fun with letters.

Claudia Chow, former Creative Director at HUGE, stated it best at her CSCA lecture, “Designers are obsessed.” Guilty as charged. And within our arsenal of tools, it could be argued we obsess and debate the most about typography as its the foundation for all our projects. One of the biggest font battles going on right now is over at the former Hoefler & Frere-Jones, now operating as, Hoefler & Co. How each party views the foundation of their business relationship is riveting. Their pre-break up documentary, Font Men, illuminates their long-term impact on the type industry.

> Bros
by Wolf Alice. I love this lil unknown band's sound. And the precious lyrics, "I am so lucky you are my best friend..." The EP cover art is just as cute. Reminiscent of all the #tbt pics on Instagram.

> In My Veins
by Andrew Belle (featuring Erin McCarley). Another incredible songwriter. I met Andrew a few years ago at a valslist.com house concert. I encourage you to see him live. He's the real damn deal. So is this song.(featured on Grey's Anatomy season 6 finale. My point: support house concerts They can introduce you to some amazing talent!)

> Take it or Leave it
by Cage The Elephant. They just surprise and delight w/each new release. I doubted they could surpass "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked" fame. I was wrong. Proof the journey is more like a marathon, than a sprint?

Who doesn't love a good game of cards? That's what my parents and I did while I was growing up, til their dying days, in fact. Many o' heart felt conversations were had during those games too. Having close friends/family over for a night of cards and conversation is a lost art. Digital be damned. Bring on the analog for this girl. You have been warned.

> Heart is a Drum
by Beck. A bucket list event for me this Friday — I am sure Beck Hansen is going to wreck my soul. Can't wait. Y'all should come and witness my undoing during this, or almost any, song from his Morning Phase LP. Two shows for the price of one? Let's hope not. :)

Actually, while the song title is drum-centric, it's the delicate introduction of the piano around 1:11 and it's subsequent layering throughout the rest of the song that tugs at me. Greatly looking forward to seeing this song performed live. Melt down be damned.

> Keep Your Heart
by TV on the Radio. For those that love a good falsetto shrill, here you go.

These posters tell, "... a love story from hopeful beginning, through falling in love and expressing its passion, the appearance of doubt, the inevitable breakup and its aftermath." See, more than just another pretty (type) face.

by Richard Hawley. My need for the ocean is never satiated. Angry sea. Mellow sea. I'll take any form. I need it at a primal level. Getting my fix this week, in fact. Like Richard croons, "I love you just because." (Man, his voice is quite melty, no?)

Kudos for BIC for creating this heavenly distraction while demonstrating incredible restraint in product placement. It's a timely conversation as the art of handwriting is leaving our schools. I'm all for anything, digital or analog, that can highlight the importance of penmanship and handwriting. They have +300k characters entered so far. I can't wait to see where this nets out. Contribute your fine penmanship, won't you?

THE END » Well, that's what nervous energy will get you... I used to end each post w/a single draw of lyrics from a favorite post song. That won't work here as there is just too many from which to choose. Hope you're cool w/the break from format. I'm a firm believer that change is good.

So... for all this "talking," you'd be surprised what a good listener I am. Let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear them. Radio silence is never a good thing, right? Now, time to try to wind down w/some Colin Hay. Thank you. Be well, always.

25 September 2011

Ah, fall is officially here, meaning summer, my fave season, has come to a close. Boo hoo. Add to that, the world is akimbo: reported gloom + doom based on the U.S. economy; earthquakes on the East coast a few weeks ago; Apple brainchild Steve Jobs retires, R.E.M. breaking up. Quel dommage.

I respect these state of affairs and their (greater?) purpose, yet they are counter to my essence. Despite being in my own state of flux, I keep pushing on. Those around me ask, "How?" It's not that big of a mystery: happiness can be found in spurts/doses/segments. And should be celebrated as such. Chasing categorical, 24/7 happiness is a challenge beyond (my) means.

My Mom led by example: she lived in the moment. Her fifth year yartzeit (an endearing term a Jewish gal friend taught me) was last week. Five years... Hard to believe.

I telegraph many special moments w/her that were just that, 'moments'... be it a half hour or 5 minutes: a scrabble game, a shared beer, an inside joke at the expense of my rival-of-the-moment... just short blips at the moment caught my breath and made me take note. I am thankful to whatever higher level granted me the awareness to take that pause.

If your parents are still alive, I suggest you love on them. Today. Or, as often as you can.

Playing a bit of catch up here so this playlist is long... but worth it. I've been working on it for awhile. Just wanted to take my time. It's a happenstance of happy tunes for reasons that probably only make sense to me. Sorry. ;) But I'm fairly sure these tunes will linger w/you, as they do me.

Fond farewell, Summer. See you not soon enough. And Mom, thanks for watching over me. And to the rest of you, find your happy place - even if it's for a minute to two. xo to all ~Joy

Go Outside
Cults
This song is the epitome of me. From the xylophone to the lyrics. Totally this girl. If you hate this song, we can't be friends.

Ohio
The Black Keys
My home state boys! Love this tune. Timely tribute to Ohio. I also cannot wait for their next BlakRoc project. aside from being insanely talented, Dan Auerbach seems to have the midas touch on all his side projects (like the divine Jessica Lea Mayfield.)

Wouldn't It Be Nice
Bullion
My fave part of the tune is at 1:47: "Run run run..." ala Beach boys. Nice.

Can't You Tell
Vetiver
Another Beach Boys ish vibe. Just meandering. Isn't that what downtime is all about?

Waves (Rodaidh Radio Edit)
Holly Miranda
I love this tune. THEN I found this video, and fell in love deeper. I love that bar/café, I love the raw high contrast b/w vignette Vincent Moon chose, I love that the Barback-come-Violinist is as relevant to this vid as Holly. Listen to the dialogue of this vid from the get go. Shot glass clinking and all. Sláinte, eh?

I've always been a print/interactive girl, but after being moved by this vid, and a recent chance to suggest the soundtrack to a good friend's indie movie, maybe video is my next big thing...

Put The Days Away
Sun Airway
Time's passing. Embrace the moment. Or reflect on the past. Both have value. ;)

As most of you know, Twitter is a strange time suck. Most days I've a love/hate relationship w/Twitter. A necessary occupational evil, I say. However, there are normal folks out there. Witness them at Twistori. It can def pull you out of a slump if you follow the positive words.

Goth Star
Pictureplane
I love the stop/start -ness of the vocals, somewhat like Ohio's Fall: one day cold, next day crazy hot... I also love the title of this tune as it supports my art school mentality that all goth kids are cool. As is my friend Lor, below. She's not goth, but she is a star in my eyes + heart.

Upside Down
Bassnectar
I'm from Northeastern Ohio. As such two words are all you need to know when it comes to amusement parks: Cedar Point. End of discussion. And if you do go, make sure when you ride the Corkscrew, you do so in the very last seats.

Sunlight
The One AM Radio
Further evidence you can take the girl out of So Cal, but you can't take Southern California out of the girl. The reference to "driving down the stretch of Wilshire Boulevard..." tugs at some heart strings mostly because back in the day I was doing so in an uber luxury vehicle in the name of due diligence for my then client Land Rover. Too. Much. Fun. (to be paid for. truth.)